Apple Maps on the web now also for mobile devices
Apple is expanding the availability of its map service. In future, Android and iPhone users will also be able to access it via a browser.
(Image: Apple Karten)
At one time, it was only possible to use Apple Maps via an app – and these were and are only available for macOS, iOS and iPadOS. The iPhone manufacturer has now also provided a browser version: It has been available since summer 2024: Initially as a beta and only for certain browsers, now also for Firefox and with more features, including the street photo service "Look around". Apple is now starting to roll out the web application for mobile devices too. This is the result of a recently published support document.
More browsers, more platforms
As Apple writes, Maps no longer only runs on Mac and PC – and there under Safari (macOS only), Chromium (Chrome, Edge) and Firefox –, but also on mobile devices with Safari (iOS and iPadOS), Chrome, Edge and Firefox (the latter also Android). However, the company warns that not all regions are covered. In addition, "Maps on the Web" is currently available in English by default. The service will "soon" support other browsers, platforms and languages.
Apple's idea will therefore also provide at least some competition to its big rival Google Maps on Android and Windows. Apple Maps is currently still ad-free; there is constant speculation that this will change soon. Apple has been trying to tap into new sources of income with its rapidly growing service area for several years. For example, advertising has been available in the App Store for years. To make this worthwhile for Maps, customers need to reach as many platforms as possible, not just Apple devices.
Not all functions yet
When using Apple Maps on the web, it is important to remember that the "full experience" is still only available in the app for Mac, iPhone and iPad. Functions will be added step by step, but some will probably remain reserved for the app, partly because this is a selling point for Apple for iPhones, iPads and Macs.
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Google Maps has put the cart before the horse: the web version was the beginning, but the app is now hugely important for all major mobile platforms, including for navigation in the car. Under pressure from the EU, Apple recently made it possible to define Google Maps as the default app on the iPhone, thereby replacing Apple Maps if the user so wishes.
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